Looking for ways to boost your creativity in the upcoming year? Taking up a creative hobby is an excellent way to do so!
To help you out, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of creative hobbies with handy tips and resources, including illustrated tutorials and guides, to get you crafting away in 2024.
You can use the jump links below to skip to specific hobbies that tickle your fancy or browse through the entire list. Not sure where to begin? Check out the latest Tiny Workshops interviews with creatives around the globe for inspiration!
Note: This list of creative hobbies and crafts is very long. Like, e-book long. Bookmark it if you’re short on time, and come back on a rainy day!
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Master list of creative hobbies
Art creative hobbies
Let’s start with one of the most obvious categories of creative hobbies and crafts: art and painting.
There’s far more to it than just buying a pencil, acrylic paints, or a canvas and hoping for the best. You will, of course, have to learn about a chosen medium, but what we’re interested in is what you’ll actually be creating!
Check out our suggested illustration guides and tutorials to help you get started, including information on the best art pens and supplies, watercolor for beginners, where to learn basic techniques, and more.
1. Botanical illustration
Botanical illustration is the depiction of living plants through drawing, sketching, or watercoloring. This subject matter is not only an inspiring starting point to explore your inner artist, but it’s also a unique way to get in touch with nature through a different lens.
To begin learning right away, we’ve listed the best botanical illustration courses for beginners and up, including Botanical Sketchbooking and Botanical Illustration with Watercolors.
2. Architectural drawing
Architectural drawing is a form of illustration that requires both creativity and technique. This type of illustration focuses on visual representations of all architectural-related objects, no matter how big or small. If you have a passion for urban sketching, building design, and drawing, this creative hobby is right up your alley. It’s also ideal if you enjoy creating maps or 2D drawings.
Our favorite courses to start are Architectural Drawing: From Imagination to Conceptualization and Architectural Sketching with Watercolor and Ink. Your go-to materials here will be fineliner pens, although a light box may be useful for tracing.
For more useful resources, look into these guides and tutorials for illustration creative hobbies!
3. Urban sketching
Urban sketching is a creative way to capture stunning cityscapes and the places you love through illustration. No matter where you are, whether it’s your hometown, vacation abroad, or your favorite city, all you need are a couple of materials and a good spot to start registering exciting urban sceneries. Grab a set of graphite pencils and a sketchbook, and start exploring your city on paper!
To learn more, check out the following online classes: Urban Sketching: Express Your World in a New Perspective and Urban Sketching: Create Expressive Cityscapes.
4. Comic and manga illustration
Comic books and manga illustrations might seem like they’re just for kids, but this is far from the truth. This art form is all about illustrating graphic novel and comic book characters, whether hand-drawn or digitally, and continues to inspire generations of storytellers and illustrators with a passion for Japanese or Western comics around the world. There are plenty of visual narratives to explore here, from epic space adventures to simple slice-of-life comic strips!
You’ll want to start with some storyboarding classes to lay things out, plus a more focused course like Manga Comics for Beginners: From Concept to Creation.
5. Children’s book illustration
Illustrating for children’s books is a creative way to apply imagination and transform enticing narratives into beautiful images that bring extra joy to storytelling. If you’re already an illustrator but want to try something new (and for a new audience!), this is a fantastic creative hobby to put your skills and technique to the test.
Whether you prefer traditional drawing tools such as graphite and coloring pencils or love watercolors and digital art, illustrating for children’s books is a great way to challenge yourself to new styles and approaches as an illustrator.
Check out our favorite children’s book illustration classes to get started!
6. Digital art and design
Digital art is a versatile creative hobby that allows you to build illustration, 3D modeling, and animation software skills. Some of the most popular software for this art form are Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, Krita, Artweaver, and Affinity Photo — but many free and paid-for options are available. You can apply your original designs to all kinds of creative projects, including posters, stickers, patterns for apparel, postcards, storyboards, marketing ads, and art printables!
The best way to start is with an iPad for Procreate and a few Procreate classes! You may also want a drawing glove to prevent accidental touches.
7. Figure drawing
Figure drawing or figure sketching is the art of capturing real-life forms and features of the human body with pen and paper alone. You’ll learn how to use the human body as a reference for creative works, which can support your drawing process for comic books, video games, and animation projects.
Check out our picks for the best figure drawing classes to get started!
8. Fashion illustration
If you’re someone who loves clothing and the world of fashion, fashion illustration is a creative pastime you should definitely check out. You’ll learn how to sketch garments from start to finish, pick up crucial design techniques, and expand your horizons on building clothes for a brand or personal project.
To get started, check out our favorite fashion illustration classes and fashion design classes online.
9. Mapmaking
Creating fantasy or real-life maps for a novel, scrapbook, or tabletop game is the perfect way to dive into your imagination and make impressive art pieces. Artists, fantasy fans, and history buffs will love the challenge of creating new worlds! This hobby is also a good suggestion if you are an urban or architectural sketcher exploring new approaches to your work.
There are a few good map illustration classes online, but our favorite is Illustrated Map Creation: Reflecting a City’s Essence on Domestika.
10. Doodling and zentangle
Looking for an artistic hobby that’s a bit more freeform? Consider doodling and zentangle art! Whether you like to sit around the house with a sketchpad or visit your local cafe for some lattes, doodling is ideal for amateur artists who seek relaxation through rule-free art — doodles can be quick, detailed, abstract, or realistic. Zentangle art may require a little more technique, but is just as fun and meditative!
11. Sticker making
The sticker-making trend is no longer stuck in the 80s! However, finding cool stickers can be somewhat hard. So, why not make them yourself? With just a few very affordable supplies and some imagination, you can take custom sticker making by storm! Great for retro-loving hobbyists and parents with young children, this is the ideal pastime to enjoy from home.
Check out The basics of Homemade stickers to learn more.
12. Coloring books (for adults)
Who said coloring books are just for kids? As an adult, you can enjoy coloring books just as much! There is a world of themed coloring books available for adults that are complex and super satisfying to complete. This hobby is a great way to relax and get creative without the pressure of creating original works or perfecting complicated techniques.
It can also serve as a gateway to more complicated artistic creative hobbies for those with no artistic background.
13. Paint by numbers
Paint by numbers takes the headache out of painting, offering easy, step-by-step instructions to create art in a carefree, fun way. You don’t have to be an experienced artist or craft connoisseur to create beautiful pieces of artwork — all you’ll need is a paint-by-numbers kit! This is a fun and cheap creative hobby for adults and children alike.
14. Diamond painting
Diamond painting is a popular and meditative craft that allows you to make stunning pieces of shimmery art designs. All you have to do is refer to an easy-to-follow color code and place tiny diamonds on your canvas accordingly! Buying a set of diamond painting tools or a complete kit is ideal if you’re just starting out.
Luckily, there is a large variety of themed diamond painting kits you can find, no matter your age or skill level. Learn more about essential diamond painting tools in our guide!
DIY creative hobbies and crafts
In the era of creative go-getters, social media, and YouTube tutorials, the DIY trend continues to skyrocket and has become a part of our lives in one way or another.
If you love to get hands-on with fun, low-cost materials to create or transform something into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces, check out some of the best DIY creative hobbies for some inspiration below!
15. Soap making
The techniques to make soap are as old as time. If you’re new to the craft, you’ll need to learn the correct steps and what supplies to use, but we reassure you soap making can be as simple as following a recipe! Melt-and-pour soaps are ideal for starters, but there is so much you can try out with just the basics: vegan ingredients, essential oils, unique molds, and more.
Grab a soap making kit for your first attempt, then see where things go from there!
16. Resin molding
This creative craft consists of molding objects of different dimensions and forms to make multiple identical copies of that object. Doing so opens up a world of creative possibilities, from custom jewelry-making to creating paperweights, coasters, buttons, and more — and all from the comfort of your craft station. As you start to finesse your creations, you can also transition into experimenting with epoxy coating, polymer clay, and even glow powder!
17. Button making
Also known as pin-back buttons or badges, there was a time when button-making was an iconic marketing and political campaigning tool. But today, it’s one of the most enjoyable hobbies curious crafters of all ages can explore — and on a low budget.
While this is something you can do with just a few tools, a simple manual button making machine will get you a very long way.
18. Candle making
Like soap making, candle making is a great creative hobby for adults and kids alike. To start, you’ll need wax (made from soybeans or beeswax) and wicks. From there, the sky’s the limit when it comes to shapes, colors, aromas, and designs! Try embedding beads into your candle for eye-catching patterns, add glitter on top for extra flair, and numerous other techniques to make them your own!
Start with a simple candle making class or soy candle making kit, then you’ll be ready for more complicated projects.
19. Basket weaving
Yet another age-old craft, basket weaving or basket making, remains popular because it’s simple, inexpensive, and easy to learn. You’ll need only a few basic supplies to get started — wood or willow branches (or even bamboo), string or twine, and pliers. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can make round, square, triangular, or rectangular shapes.
Check out our favorite basket weaving classes online to get started!
20. Terrazzo
Terrazzo combines mixed bits of marble, glass, quartz, or porcelain with concrete or epoxy resin. Recognizable for its confetti-like effect, this is a great way to indulge in eco-friendly art (these pieces usually go unused) while making all kinds of design pieces, including coasters, soaps, bookends, incense holders, jewelry, furniture — the list goes on!
21. Sand art bottles
Sand art is a popular creative hobby that involves layering various colors of sand to create intricate designs in a bottle. Although colored sand is available in most craft stores, there are a number of DIY hacks you can experiment with, such as using food coloring to tint salt for the same effect! You can also adapt this art form for young children by using safer tools and vessels such as plastic bottles.
22. String art
String art consists of wrapping thread around nails or pins to create colorful geometric shapes and designs. All you need is a piece of wood, nails, string, and creativity! One of the advantages of this craft is that it’s pretty inexpensive and allows you to experiment with a world of themes and forms. And when inspiration runs out, you can find loads of downloadable printable string patterns online!
23. Perler beads
Perler beads (also known as Hama or Nabbi beads) are tiny plastic beads used to create patterns and designs, whether in 2D or 3D. These color-coded beads are laid out on a plastic board according to a design outline (pre-made or customized) and eventually melted down with an iron, fusing all of the pieces into a single, cohesive item.
Once you get the hang of things, you will be fusing colorful Perler beads to create just about anything, from pixel art to movie scenes — the options are endless!
24. Seed beading
If you’re a sucker for jewelry-making and have been wanting to try something a little different, seed beading will give you the inspiration you need! This process involves stringing beads onto a thread or wire to create beautiful patterns.
Although commonly associated with jewelry, this is also the perfect hobby for weavers and embroiderers looking for new approaches to their art. If you want to take the craft further, you can also learn more by beading with a loom — a great tool to test your technique and design skills.
25. Wreath making
Wreath-making doesn’t have to be a seasonal pastime. It’s about celebrating beautiful materials and assembling them into handmade masterpieces for any occasion all year round! In fact, the criteria for wreath-making is pretty similar to floral design. Whether you want to use greenery, pinecones, dried flowers, paper cocktail umbrellas, seashells, or ribbons, there is a world of resources you can use.
Being a pretty easy craft to take on, the secret to wreath-making is perfecting and defining style and aesthetic. Try Wreath Creation with Dried Flowers on Domestika and see where it leads.
Industrial creative hobbies
The next section on our list of creative hobbies and crafts will require a bit more of an investment, relying heavily on using machinery, hand, and power tools to build eye-catching pieces for aesthetic or functional purposes. The recurring materials used for industrial art projects are wood and (or) metal.
Although the realm of industrial art may be perceived as overly challenging and unconventional at first, it encompasses some of the most rewarding types of creative work an artist can experience. Here are some great industrial creative hobbies to try.
26. Woodworking
Although somewhat intimidating at first, woodworking has a lot to offer for all skill levels. This craft involves making decorative and functional items from wood. While this hobby may require using more elaborate machinery at times, there are countless projects you can make with simple, hand-held tools. When starting, go for smaller projects like birdhouses or cutting boards, and before you know it, you’ll be transitioning into more complex creations like coffee tables, cabinets, and step stools!
Check out our favorite woodworking classes for beginners, and start your kit with these 12 essential woodworking tools.
For more ideas, our guide on woodworking hobbies for all skill levels includes a lot of inspiring projects we’re sure you’ll enjoy!
27. Woodturning
Woodturning is an exciting hobby that allows you to make personalized wood art like bowls, pens, bracelets, and more. Woodturning is the process of turning wood on a lathe: a machine that spins a chunk of wood while you use chisels and other tools to shape it.
It can be cheaper than woodworking because the only tools you need are a lathe and some chisels. However, buying a lathe for personal use can get pricey (and make a huge mess), so check if you have local woodworking guilds or shops where you can access and rent this machine.
28. Wood burning (pyrography)
Wood burning is a fun woodworking alternative that takes a more decorative angle. You’ll be stenciling/burning designs onto wooden surfaces, embellishing everything from furniture and jewelry boxes to wall art, cooking utensils, and more. The star tool of this creative hobby is a burning pen, which can be purchased individually or as part of a wood-burning kit.
29. Glass blowing
Glassblowing is a technique in which molten glass is inflated into a bubble with a blowpipe to create form. The craft is complex and does require lots of practice and skill, but once you get started, you’ll be unstoppable!
Although the tools needed for this art form are most likely not sitting around your house, attending local workshops is a great way to get started. And there is so much you can create! Vases, ornaments, cups, paperweights — all beginner projects!
30. Glass etching
Another glass art creative hobby is glass etching: creating designs/stenciling on a glass surface with etching cream and diamond ball burrs. Stenciled glass pieces have become a hit in the world of home décor and are spotted just about anywhere, whether on a set of wine glasses or a bathroom mirror.
The craft doesn’t demand a long list of tools or space, making it a low-maintenance creative hobby to take up from home.
31. Stained glass art
Stained glass art is another way to explore glass as a medium. Stained glass is a colored glass primarily used to create decorative items. Although you’ve most likely appreciated stained glass embellishments on church windows or Tiffany lamps, I assure you there are countless ways you can make your very own stunning creations with just a few stained glass classes under your belt: light catchers, lanterns, candleholders, door panels, and more!
Start with either Contemporary Stained Glass Design or Stained Glass with Pressed Flowers: The Tiffany Method, or grab a stained glass kit for your own designs.
32. Concrete molds
If decorative items with a raw, edgy, industrial aesthetic happen to be your cup of tea, learning how to make concrete molds is one of the industrial creative hobbies you should consider. This craft involves using molds of all dimensions to shape concrete into functional or decorative pieces.
The cool part is that you can use everyday household items such as plastic bowls, beverage bottles, or milk cartons as molds to make all kinds of incredible concrete designs. Just be aware that it can get messy.
33. Jewelry making
Jewelry making is one of the most popular creative hobbies, whether for personal gratification or at the heart of aspiring start-up businesses. The unique aspect of this craft is that it allows you to use your imagination while offering endless possibilities of wearable and sellable items.
You can use multiple techniques and materials for this craft, which make it extremely versatile. Here’s a great list of jewelry making classes online, but we think polymer clay classes are a good place to start for beginners.
34. Leather working
Also known as leather crafting, leather working is the art of transforming pieces of leather into aesthetic, functional items: handbags, footwear, book covers, jewelry, and more. Learning to condition, cut, design, and sew leather will require time and dedication, and some tools may be challenging to work with at first.
The best way to get started is by experimenting with small-scale projects like purses and bracelets. Check out our picks for the best leather working classes for ideas, or grab a leather craft kit and get started right away.
35. Metalworking and welding
Metalworking involves manipulating metal to shape it into functional tools, structures, or decorative items, and it usually includes welding. If you’re up for the challenge and putting in the time, you can create just about anything you can imagine.
The craft commonly demands lots of heavy equipment, so ensure you have access to the tools required before investing in this pastime, along with a good understanding of safety guidelines. Don’t wing it here, classes are a must!
36. Metal embossing
Embossing is a method used to create designs on metal surfaces through relief techniques. It’s the perfect creative hobby to try if you’re curious about working with metal but not up for all the bulky machinery metalworking commonly requires.
This craft uses thin metal sheets for embossing and a small number of tools — you can even use aluminum foil! This is the perfect introduction to the medium before getting into larger metalwork projects and offers the added perk of being a fairly cheap creative hobby you can enjoy from home.
37. Mosaics
Traditionally, mosaic making is the art of forming intricate designs of all sizes and shapes from bits and pieces of stone, glass, or ceramics. Learning old-school mosaic art is a great hobby to look into if you love ceramics and building structures with your bare hands.
However, the one-of-a-kind mosaic aesthetic also happens to be a great source of inspiration for works involving digital art, illustration, watercoloring, and collage projects. Taking a few online mosaic classes is a helpful and affordable way to expand your creativity and artistic style, no matter your preferred medium.
Sculpting and carving hobbies
Sculpting is the process of shaping three-dimensional objects or features out of various materials, including clay, marble, wood, bronze, glass, and ice, to name a few.
If you’re a fan of this timeless art form and would like to know what it’s like to walk in the shoes of a sculptor — you can!
Find out which of the sculpting creative hobbies below excites you the most to make your pick.
38. Sculpting
There are multiple facets to the art of sculpting, making it one of the most versatile creative hobbies you can try out. As an age-old art form, it’s only natural that sculpting has been subject to experimentation with all sorts of materials: marble, wood, bronze, ivory, paper maché — the list goes on!
As a starter, clay is your friend! Because it’s easy to mold, shape, carve, and scrape, I recommend jumpstarting your sculpting journey with this material before diving into more complex mediums. It’s also very easy to find and affordable, and there are tons of online sculpting courses you can take to learn.
39. Ice sculpting
This creative hobby consists of sculpting all kinds of objects and subject matter out of a large block of ice. As you might imagine, this may not be the most practical of creative hobbies for you to take on, as it does require generous workspaces, access to industrial tools, and lots of learning time. Working with snow before diving into larger ice block art is a good way to start!
40. Wood carving
Wood carving is a combination of sculpture and woodwork. Learning how to carve figures of all shapes and sizes does present its challenges, but no more than most creative hobbies requiring attention to detail and intricate sculpting techniques. Plus, it can be very affordable. You can create figures, spoons, and more with just a few carving tools, a block, or even an old piece of wood.
Wooden Spoon Carving on Domestika is an ideal place to start for complete beginners.
41. Pottery
Pottery consists of forming vessels and objects with clay and other ceramic resources. These creations are then fired at high heat, transforming them into solid, durable works of art. It’s also one of the best creative hobbies for children as it puts them in touch with the realities of trial and error while allowing them to create something special with their own hands.
Although you can start learning pottery from home with the basics, at some point, you’ll want to take a pottery class and pick up a pottery wheel and a kiln for more refined results.
42. Soap carving
Soap carving resembles the wood carving process — but on a bar of soap instead! Since it requires a conveniently small list of supplies (most of which are easy to access or around the house), this is an inexpensive, practical pastime to share with family, friends, or children, no matter your artistic abilities. It’s also a great creative hobby for vegans since many soaps contain no animal products.
43. Sand sculptures and sandcastle building
If you’re intrigued by this type of art, the good news is you can try it out, whether or not you live by the beach. Supplies may not be the easiest to find, and learning will most likely be through trial and error. While sandcastle building can get pretty complex, once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you’ll be on your way to making impressive creations.
Printmaking creative hobbies
Printmaking is an art form in which designs from a template with ink are transferred onto another surface.
Need a visual? Just think of Rock band t-shirts and hipster tote bag prints. Pretty fun stuff!
Whether you want to explore this hobby for leisure or because you have a fashion project you’d like to bring to life, read on to learn more about printmaking and discover what medium will best suit your goals!
Before diving in, peruse our printmaking resources and guides; we’ve provided a handy overview of the craft to help you get started.
44. Linocut printmaking
Linocutting is one of the most approachable block printing methods. You can make designs as simple or complex as you want by layering and using multiple colors, and you can print on both paper and fabric with the right ink.
And while the results are great, it’s the process that does it for me. There is something particularly gratifying about carving, layering, and imprinting your design meticulously, one step at a time. We’ve got a huge guide to linocut tools to help you get started!
45. Woodcut printmaking
While the technique is similar to linocutting, the star medium in woodcutting is, well, wood. These can range from simple designs to multi-layer prints like the classic Japanese Ukiyo-E that we all know and love.
Because wood demands some level of mastery and know-how to manipulate, carve, and shape, it might not be the best starting point for newbie printmakers when compared to linocut. Here’s a guide to the best wood for woodblock printing, and you’ll want a good set of carving tools like those made by Pfeil.
46. Screen printing
Also known as serigraphy or silk printing, screen printing consists of pressing ink through a stenciled mesh screen to print designs. This method has been highly popularized in the apparel industry and is applied to print bold logos and eye-catching images on clothing. Besides fabric, you can also create a world of screenprint art on posters and canvases.
There are different ways to screenprint from home, whether to make singular items or multiple copies of the same design. I’d recommend starting with a screen printing class or screen printing kit to get the hang of it.
47. Rubber stamping
Ideal for all skill levels, rubber stamping is an extremely accessible creative hobby that requires very little when it comes to supplies. It consists of carving designs onto a rubber sheet which is then attached to a wooden base and pressed into an ink pad to stamp paper surfaces.
You’ll be stamping greeting cards, books, scrapbooks, and art journals, with just a few guidelines and practice! It’s more straightforward than the options above and a great creative hobby for kids, too. Grab a stamp making kit and get to work!
Needlecraft creative hobbies
Any list of creative hobbies and crafts wouldn’t be complete without needlecrafts. They are a cost-effective way to relieve stress, express creativity, and get in touch with an artistic side you might not have known existed.
This craft can range from more classic takes on needlework such as sewing, knitting, and embroidery to more out-of-the-box approaches like amigurumi and cosplay projects.
You’ll be amazed by just how much you can create with an online beginner’s course and a few hours of practice under your belt. If you’re up for the challenge, keep reading to discover which creative needlecraft hobbies are next in line for you!
48. Sewing
Sewing is not just about hemming and fixing clothing (yes, we have all blushed at the dreadful sound of our own pants ripping). It’s also about creating items you can sell, gift, or wear! If you are hesitant to take on sewing, I reassure you there are zillions of beginner projects you can do with just the fundamentals: skirts, aprons, cardholders, tote bags, fabric pencil cases, and more.
This is also one of the most practical creative hobbies you can take up, because well, we all wear clothes every day of our lives! There are plenty of sewing classes and sewing kits available online.
49. Cosplay
The term “cosplay” is the combination of the words costume and play. So, basically, a cool kind of dress-up adults also enjoy! The trend originated in Japan in the late 80s/early 90s and soon spread throughout the globe.
Although this was initially related to manga and anime character representations, nowadays, cosplay is all about paying homage to your fantasy heroes no matter where they come from. Sewing, carving, prop design, and 3D printing are all useful skills for this creative hobby. You’ll also want a handheld sewing machine for emergency repairs at cons.
50. Embroidery
Embroidery is still one of the most popular creative hobbies today and consists of decorating fabric with a needle, thread, and, occasionally, fine wire. Many find this form of needlework a carefree, satisfying craft to make all kinds of embellishments and projects: clothing, socks, kitchen towels, cloth napkins, pillows, and more.
Check out our picks for the best embroidery classes and embroidery kits you can buy.
51. Cross-stitching
Cross-stitching is a form of sewing that comprises X-shaped stitches to form a design on open-weave fabric such as Aida or linen (the latter for more experienced crafters). If you’re familiar with paint-by-numbers, you could look at cross-stitching as its embroidery-inspired cousin.
The only real challenge here is interpreting a cross-stitch chart. As a beginner, getting a starter kit is recommended because you’ll be getting all of the necessary materials and guidelines within a single bundle. This is really one of the most accessible creative hobbies out there, which is why it’s endured for centuries.
52. Crewel
Crewel embroidery is a form of embroidery that uses 2-ply wool thread instead of the counted thread norm applied in standard embroidery. Traditionally, this version of embroidery is woven on linen twill. However, you can play with other fabrics to experiment with textures such as velvet, silk organza, net fabric, and jute. Because wool is heavier and more difficult to sustain than most thread types, sturdy fabric and a specific needle are crucial in crewel embroidery.
53. Needle felting
This craft involves pushing a needle (more like jabbing, to be accurate!) into a piece of wool to give it shape and volume, creating adorable fuzzy critters and quirky representations of everyday objects. One of the upsides to needle felting is that it requires very few supplies and materials, all of which are pretty cheap.
Buying a needle felting kit and taking a needle felting class will be helpful to familiarize yourself with the craft and tools. Using finger protectors until you get the hang of things is also recommended. These needles are very sharp!
54. Quilting
The art of quilting holds a sentimental value different from other crafts because it’s commonly associated with intergenerational group activities such as blanket quilting. Quilting consists of sewing together fabric squares of different patterns, colors, and textures to create a single piece.
If the thought of having to purchase a sewing machine happens to be a concern, relax — you can perfectly well quilt by hand with a lot of patience. Do, however, buy quality materials such as 100% cotton fabrics no matter what you are quilting since you want your items to be durable, beautiful, and functional.
55. Crochet
Crocheting is undoubtedly one of the most commonly enjoyed creative hobbies ever because of its affordability, portability, and soothing process. And, of course, because of how satisfying it is to transform pieces of yarn into real-life items: clothes, beanies, toys, scarves, dishcloths — you get the picture.
Crochet is a type of needlework that uses one hook-like needle (contrary to knitting) to interlock looped stitches with a single thread. It’s also a cheap hobby to take on as long as you are not investing in more high-end materials and thread. Start with these crochet kits and crochet classes and see where you want to go next!
56. Amigurumi
Amigurumi is the Japanese tradition of crocheting or knitting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures with cotton, wool, or acrylic yarns. The Japanese word derives from a combination of the words “ami” (meaning crocheted or knitted) and “nuigurumi” (meaning stuffed doll).
Because amigurumi are typically small and sweet, you might think they’re just toys for children. However, many teens and adults have become avid collectors of these dolls! They’re just so cute!
57. Knitting
As one of the most celebrated creative hobbies among crafters, knitting is a very soothing activity. Unlike crocheting, knitting is done with two straight needles to create more delicate stitches commonly found in fluffy sweaters and items made of chunky yarn.
However, getting started can be challenging — this is not the easiest pastime, so investing in learning time is crucial. Start with a knitting class or simple knitting kit. If you want to speed things up, remember that knitting machines are always an option
58. Arm knitting
If knitting has been on your “to-do” list, but you’ve had a hard time getting around to learning and practicing technique, arm knitting is a fantastic alternative! As the name suggests, arm knitting consists of using your arms instead of needles to weave thick, chunky yarn into stunning knitted pieces, from blankets and scarves to cowls, ear warmers, and more.
Unlike traditional knitting, arm knitting produces larger, looser stitches, making the process easier to learn and projects quicker to complete. This is the perfect creative hobby if you want to work with minimal tools and craft something impressive with just a little know-how under your belt.
59. Needlepoint
Needlepoint involves threading on a stiff even-weave canvas, contrary to, for example, traditional embroidery and cross-stitch, which use fabrics such as linen or cotton. This type of needlecraft also differs from cross-stitch because it uses diagonal stitches instead of the X-shaped patterns found in cross-stitch designs. Needlepoint uses silk, wool, or cotton thread types with different textures and colors, making for eye-catching results for home décor or personalized gifts.
Also, young children can enjoy this craft too! There are child-friendly tools available for needlepoint (blunt plastic needles and medium-weight yarn), making this a great creative hobby you can experience with the younger artists in your family!
Fiber arts hobbies
Have you ever wanted to try a new creative hobby that required little financial investment?
If so, fiber arts is one of the best creative hobbies you can throw yourself into. For those who enjoy fiber arts but don’t want to spend their free time concentrating on intricate patterns and stitches, there are countless beginner-friendly projects that you’re sure to love.
Once you’ve got the fundamentals down, you’ll be surprised by all the impressive creations you’ll be whipping up as second nature!
60. Visible mending
Visible mending is one of the cooler crafty pastimes people are turning to these days. The craft involves mending damaged or torn items (mostly clothing) in a purposefully evident and fashion-forward way. There are also trends within this craft, such as the Japanese stitching style sashiko, iconic for its use of white or red thread on blue fabrics to reinforce clothes with incredible geometric designs. Besides feeding imagination, visible mending aims to encourage upcycling fashion to reduce consumption and fast fashion.
61. Macrame
There has been a macrame boom in recent years. While grasping technique is key in learning how to construct macrame pieces, this art form is not hard to learn. It’s also relatively inexpensive. The fun side of macrame (aside from seeing knots transform into art!) is the different ways you can apply and adapt this craft: earrings, curtains, plant hangers, wall hangings, bags, belts, and more!
We have extensive guides to macrame supplies and macrame cord, but the best way to get started is with a macrame kit or macrame class.
Find all these resources and lots more in our macrame for beginners tutorials and guides!
62. Weaving
Weaving consists of interlacing yarns or threads to form fabrics or cloth. This process usually uses a loom: a device that helps manage threads (lengthwise thread held stationary) under tension to facilitate the interweaving of weft threads (transverse dynamic thread).
You can either buy the pieces to build a loom, create a DIY version with cheap household items, or purchase a complete weaving kit to get started. To learn, grab a book on weaving or this course: Hand Weaving Techniques for Beginners.
63. Rug tufting
If you have never heard of rug tufting, it is a fairly simple craft that involves making tufts of yarn by stuffing them through a backing material to make custom rugs and textured objects. However, rug tufting does require some initial investment. Your main tool will be a tufting gun, which does all of the heavy lifting, allowing you to create your designs quickly and efficiently.
To learn everything you need to get started, check out our rug tufting guides and tutorials, including information on essential tufting supplies, tufting yarn, tufting glue, and more.
Want to get started right away? I highly recommend this online course by Domestika: Tufting Technique for Creating Rugs.
64. Punch needle
Punch needle art is a form of embroidery that consists of using a large needle to punch loops of yarn into fabric to create textured, bold designs. Cushions, wall hangings, fashion accessories, and even full-size rugs are some of the popular items you can create through this craft.
Fun and easy to learn, punch needle requires a small number of supplies, making it a very budget-friendly and accessible creative hobby to pick up. To learn, checking out punch needle kits will get you started, but this Punch Needle for Rug Design course will open more door
65. Latch hook
Latch hooking consists of weaving short pieces of yarn through a gridded canvas to create pictures and designs. It’s similar to rug tufting but more manual. The best way to begin is with a latch hook kit: countless variations are available with different themes, difficulty levels, and fabric colors.
You can make rugs, wall hangings, pillows, and all kinds of colorful décor. You’ll be breezing through creations like paint-by-numbers, diamond painting, and cross-stitch once you learn how to read the color-coded pattern.
66. Lace making
Lacemaking consists of making an openwork fabric by working single or multiple threads by hand. There are two main forms of lacemaking: bobbin lace and needle lace. The first is done on a pillow using dozens of tiny bobbins to manipulate and secure multiple threads. The latter uses nothing more than a single thread and needle.
As a hobby, lacemaking can be challenging as it requires lots of trial and error and skill-finessing. But there are ways to make life easier. For example, practice with a larger thread size at first until you get the hang of things.
67. Dreamcatchers
Dreamcatchers are not only pretty to look at but add a touch of serenity to any setting. Historically, they are a symbol of Native American culture and are believed to catch bad dreams while you’re asleep. The fun part about this craft is that you can use a world of materials based on a preferred style.
If you want to enjoy this activity with children, there are many kid-friendly adaptations of the craft that incorporate easy-to-find household items. Macrame dreamcatchers have become very popular lately, so if you don’t know where to start, I suggest having a go at macrame dreamcatcher making!
Miniature creative hobbies
If the name Tatsuya Tanaka rings a bell, it’s probably safe to say you are familiar with miniature art.
This art form falls under one of the most imaginative creative hobbies and crafts you can experience, encompassing everything from sculpting, carving, and painting tiny-sized models and representations often made of metal or plastic.
Because this is such an intricate craft, I am not going to lie — this hobby will require time, technique, and tons of practice until you get it right. However, where is the fun in trying out a new hobby if you are not feeling even just a little bit challenged?
Learn more about some of the most popular miniature creative hobbies you can try out below, or visit our full list of miniature hobbies for even more options!
68. Model building
Model building requires top-notch skill and is not a hobby for the faint-hearted! This art form involves creating replicas of real-life objects and scenarios, from vehicles and airplanes to architectural buildings and extensive railroads. This is the ideal pastime if you don’t mind working at a slower pace, have an eye for detail, and have the patience to assemble tiny pieces one by one.
Since model building can get very complex, I recommend working from a simple kit at first. These metal model kits are a great start. Once you have some experience, you can work toward creating your own unique customizations and designs.
69. Painting miniatures
Miniature painting is the process of painting small-scale figures to make them look realistic when viewed up close. And what an art form it is! Although it is challenging in the sense that you do need some skill (no shaky hands here!), it’s a very refreshing way to brush up on painting techniques. It’s also a particularly great hobby for collectors — and photographers!
Whether for wargaming or display, you’ll want a nice set of paint for miniatures, and eventually an airbrush kit to speed things up.
70. Dollhouses
While you might be thinking that playing with dollhouses is a somewhat outdated activity for children, you’ll be surprised to know that the craft is mostly a pastime enjoyed by and marketed to adults.
This hobby consists of assembling and furnishing small-scaled houses with dozens of tiny replicas of anything you can find in your home: TV sets, beds, complete living areas, table doilies, wall art, and kitchen sinks — it truly is a one-of-a-kind passion project. Many people usually buy the dollhouse structure, but if you’re into woodworking, you can make one yourself!
For some inspo, check out this course: Design and Build Miniature Interiors.
71. Fairy gardens
Inventing miniature magical settings has become a beloved activity for adults and children alike and a fantastic way to put imagination and creativity to work. The concept was formed in the 1950s by Anne Ashberry, a nursery owner who wanted the elderly and disabled to enjoy an accessible gardening experience.
The main idea behind fairy gardens is to create an environment where fairies would potentially love to live! Add mini furniture, moss, miniature trees, soil, rocks, succulent plants, and anything more your heart desires! When starting, working from a smaller container before building up to larger projects is best.
72. Bonkei
Bonkei is a Japanese art form that uses miniature trees and rocks to create an entire scene. Meaning “tray landscape,” bonkei is a fun and rewarding activity for artists of all skill levels and makes a beautiful addition to any home or office. The best part? Anyone can do it!
Bonkei does require patience, but if you are a sucker for detail and miniature art, this is a refreshing hobby to explore. Typically there are three main components to Bonkei: a soil base, decorative rocks, and plants. Keep in mind that Bonkei is put together with dry materials and does not contain living material, in contrast to other Japanese art forms such as bonsai and saikei.
73. Diorama making
Also known as dioramic scenes or diorama displays, dioramas are miniature scale models of a landscape — somewhat similar to bonkei in concept. The main difference is that while bonkei art traditionally restricts displays to a tray or tray-like surface and dimension, dioramas can be built and displayed just about anywhere: tabletops, in fish tanks, and even walls! It can also explore other themes beyond landscapes, including interiors and cityscapes.
You can use loads of different materials for this, but a hot wire foam cutter will make your life a lot easier.
74. Putz houses and nativity scenes
Putz houses are a traditional holiday decoration inspired by Victorian-era European Winterland scenes. The name of these houses comes from the German term “putzen,” meaning “to clean” or “to decorate.” Classically, they are composed of clay or wood. However, there has been an evolution in the materials used to create and adorn these items.
As one of the oldest creative hobbies, crafting putz houses is not particularly time-consuming, but you need to find out what feels right for you, whether a kit or a custom design with household materials.
75. Lego MOC
Lego MOC stands for “My Own Creation” and is used to describe intricate, personalized Lego designs and constructions. A MOC design is anything that falls under making a Lego structure from scratch, a combination of sets, or a variation on already existing sets.
While many don’t classify this hobby as an art form, the truth is that there is an immense online community of MOC enthusiasts who come up with mind-blowing creations every day. It’s a unique pastime enjoyed by everyone — especially those who lust for a little retro action.
We have loads of Lego guides for Lego Botanical sets, Architecture sets, Minecraft sets, and more, but MOC is all about making your own original works.
This Lego and alt brick guide contains lots of juicy resources for brick-building enthusiasts, including tips on more affordable Lego alternatives worth exploring!
Stationery and lettering hobbies
Stationery creative hobbies are easy to learn and a great way to enjoy downtime away from the computer screen.
The classic approach to stationery art revolves around using old-school tools and materials to create striking lettering and calligraphy works. And although it’s the purest form of handwritten art, many digital programs and software can be used for mixed media projects.
If you are a graphic designer, video editor, fashion designer, work in advertising, or a creative looking for new skills, learning some stationery art hobbies could be a way to boost skills both artistically and for professional purposes.
76. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is a decorative approach to handwritten lettering and may seem intimidating at first. But once the technique is down, you’ll have fun personalizing letters and creating all sorts of mixed-medium projects! There are also tons of online classes you can take to learn, most of which provide downloadable practice sheets to help you continue learning offline.
Because calligraphy is all about visual appeal and elegance, take your time! This is not a hobby to rush through or one of immediate gratification. If you’re new to typography and/or lettering, this is a great creative hobby to pick up to solidify your know-how in handwritten art.
Check out our favorite calligraphy classes to learn more, or pick up a calligraphy set or dip pen to get started right away!
77. Hand lettering
One could say that hand-lettering is a combination of calligraphy and modern fonts. Hand lettering is done with a brush-tipped pen and uses a more simplified, basic stroke technique than its fancy sibling calligraphy. As a newbie, all you need is a pencil, felt pen, and lined paper: no need to go all out on expensive stationery when starting. There are also a variety of fun projects you can look forward to — greeting cards, bookmarks, letters, and place cards for events, just to name a few!
For more ideas, check out Creative Doodling and Hand-Lettering for Beginners on Domestika and Hand-Lettering for Beginners on Craftsy.
78. Art journaling
If you have a hard time putting things into words, try art journaling! Art journaling is a visual diary that involves drawing, painting, collaging, or doodling as a form of expression. It has become one of the most popular creative hobbies for non-artists and an option for different reasons, whether as a carefree outlet for creativity, a way to document travel and memories, or an alternative to traditional journaling.
It’s also a creative way to inspire children to express themselves artistically! The best thing is that art journaling doesn’t call for specific rules and form — you can use all kinds of supplies, from watercolors, colored pencils, paint markers, pens, ink, crayons, etc.
To get an idea of where to start, check out Illustrated Life Journal: A Daily Mindful Practice, Art Journal Pages with Get Messy, and How to Make a Blank Art Journal.
79. Bullet journaling
Also known as BuJo, bullet journaling is a modern take on diary-writing and is a combination of a planner, sketchbook, and journal. Instead of your basic everyday lined notebook pages, bullet journals use dot journals, allowing much more room for customization. You can add multiple sections for daily to-do lists, calendars, fitness and mental health goals, appointments, personal thoughts, etc.
So where’s all the fun, you ask? BuJo’s are custom-made, making this the perfect hobby for you if you revel in a good journaling sesh. Use all kinds of stationery and accessories when creating your bullet journal, and keep in mind that you don’t have to overwhelm yourself with zillions of sections if you just want to focus on 2-3 items.
Check out Introduction to Illustrated Bullet Journaling and Bullet Journaling Ideas to get started.
80. Card making
Card making is one of those fun, timeless crafts everyone loves. With just a small set of materials and tools, you can make all kinds of creative greeting cards and notes for every occasion — on a budget!
Besides your typical paper cards, card making is a great way to explore other creative hobbies and crafts: diamond painting, lino cutting, embroidery, watercolors, etc. You can also find excellent cutter machines to create customized shapes and designs of your choice.
A simple card making kit will get you started, but you may also want some creative paper punch tools and punch boards for custom creations!
81. Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a beautiful way to preserve meaningful memories and create a work of art to be passed down for generations. As one of the oldest creative hobbies, scrapbooking consists of documenting and building a visual diary with everything from photos and memorabilia to note-taking, stickers, glitter, and more.
The goal behind scrapbooking is to register moments you cherish throughout time as a creative outlet. Since scrapbooking is a rule-free zone, it’s a perfect creative hobby for kids and adults alike.
Papercraft creative hobbies
Hobbyists of all ages can relish a variety of papercraft projects which are not only super affordable activities but a great way to make impressive gifts for family and friends.
As implied in the name, papercraft creative hobbies use paper as the central medium to create art: origami, collages, paper mache, bookbinding, etc. Techniques can range from simple to very complex.
Other than the list below, our papercraft and origami guides and tutorials are another great place to search for more information and resources to get started!
82. Origami
The Japanese paper-folding art of origami has been around since the 17th century and is a favorite for paper crafters around the globe. The upside to this hobby is that it only requires origami paper and your hands!
Origami is all about folding techniques and making the right creases. If you’re more of a visual learner, watching online tutorials or taking an online class can help perfect these skills. From then on, you’ll be creating everything from your classic origami crane to faux flowers, tissue holders, decorative origami hangings, and more!
Origami books and origami kits are the safe way to go, but we recommend getting a bone folder too for the cleanest creases.
83. Papercraft modeling
Papercraft modeling combines the fun and excitement of assembling delicate pieces of paper and transforming them into paper sculptures or models. If you are into design-related creative hobbies, papercraft modeling may be something you want to experiment with.
If you’re into collections, this is also a fun craft to whip up a unique line of paper models or to use in a stop-motion project. It’s also a creative alternative to decorative hangings, makes for an out-of-the-box gift for friends, and is an original way to decorate themed parties and even baby mobiles!
For this you’ll want a bone folder, but check out these two courses for basic techniques: Paper Sculpture for Set Design and Design Your Own Paper Lamp.
84. Paper quilling
Paper quilling is the art of taking paper strips and rolling them into different shapes with a quilling needle to create beautiful, dimensional paper designs. While you will need to work with a specific toolset, the most important is a quilling needle and paper quilling strips which can be easily purchased online. In a pinch, you can also use your fingers!
You can also buy a complete paper quilling kit to wiggle your way into the craft. As one of the oldest creative hobbies, paper quilling is appropriate for all ages of crafters who appreciate the potential artistry paper offers.
We put together a list of essential paper quilling tools to help you get started, and we also recommend checking out the Paper Quilling Art – Beginner to Advanced course for techniques and more.
85. Collage art
Collage art is the process of taking bits and pieces of all kinds of images, materials, and cut-outs to create a whole new body of art. It’s a craft that’s been around for over 100 years. Collages can come to life with a world of materials such as paper, canvas, magazines, hardcover books, posters, wrapping paper, aluminum foil, vinyl records, plastic bottles, wood panels — anything you can get your hands on!
This creative hobby is simple, creative, inexpensive, and appropriate for all ages. Since there aren’t guidelines or single methods for this type of work, you won’t have to worry about anything but making the most out of your imagination!
A few courses to get you started are Creative Collage: Telling Stories in Layers and Make a Geometric Paper Collage.
86. Paper making
Paper making is the process of creating paper from scratch. Different methods and complexity levels exist in making paper, but the most common process involves dipping a stretched screen into a pulp. The sheet is then transferred onto a surface, pressed, and dried.
This is a great hobby if you are an artist who incorporates paper into your artwork or simply love the idea of binding homemade paper for journaling. It’s also easy and inexpensive: you can make the pulp yourself and make a DIY screen with old picture frames.
The best way to get started is with one of these great paper making kits!
87. Bookbinding
Bookbinding is the perfect hobby for creatives who are passionate about papermaking and journaling. This craft consists of assembling individual pages or stacks of paper into a single volume to create a booklet. There are various techniques to this art form, and while nowadays there is technology to do the job, bookbinding is still widely enjoyed by artisans and DIY crafters.
There are different ways to approach bookbinding, whether through simple stitching with thread to more industrial processes. A good way to start this hobby is by learning the basics and practicing with a small, hardcover journal with fewer pages.
We have tons of guides here on Tiny Workshops to help you get started, including this compilation of bookbinding guides and tutorials for beginners.
Best book binding kits, book binding presses, book binding glues, and book binding tape are only a few of the articles you’ll find!
88. Pop-up making
Pop-up paper crafts originated in China and were used as graphical depictions of written stories. The craft involves transforming a two-dimensional sheet of paper into a physical, 3D piece. Using only paper, glue, and a pair of scissors to get started, it’s a very affordable and convenient hobby to learn from home.
Once you grasp fundamental folding techniques, you can begin to enjoy a world of projects that will look pretty impressive: pop-up flower cards, Kirigami (a variation of origami), pop-up letters, paper toys, and accordion cards are just a few ideas to give you an idea!
There are a few great classes out there, but our favorite is Pop-Up Book Creation and the follow-up Advanced Techniques for Creating Pop-Up Books. You may also want a card making kit for supplies!
89. Paper mache
Paper mache is the art of sealing an object with paste or glue and paper to turn it into a solid, sculpted-like structure. Creating a paste by mixing flour and water is considered a DIY classic for this craft, but you can also use a glue and water mix or purchase an all-in-one sealer if preferred. Either way, paper maché is an easy-to-learn and uber-cheap craft to take on from home.
There are also dozens of projects designed for toddlers, from abstract paper sculptures and bowls to paper mache animals, flowers, and faux plants. To get started, all you’ll need is strips of newspaper, water, flour, paints, and lots of imagination!
To get started, check out this Paper Mache for Beginners class.
Digital creative hobbies
Are you a tech aficionado but also an artsy soul? Digital art is a fantastic way to expand the mind and have an incredible time letting your creativity run wild!
There is so much you can play with: 3D art, illustration, animation, photography, stop motion, game development, and more.
Psst, we have an entire article dedicated to nerdy hobbies, including all of our favorites!
90. 3D printing
3D printing is the process of designing a 3D object with special software and having it printed and transformed into a physical, hand-held object! Morphi, BlocksCAD, and Leopoly are some of the best for beginners.
If you’re worried about the cost of a 3D printer, keep in mind that you can enjoy this hobby without owning a 3D printer. In fact, most designers don’t possess one themselves. If you are interested in printing, 3D printers are cheaper than ever, with starter models available for less than $500. Then, you can 3D print your own upgrades!
To learn more, check out the free 3D Printing Basics course.
91. Stop motion animation
If you’re a Ray Harryhausen and film fan, stop motion should definitely be on your creative hobbies list. Stop motion is the process of taking pictures of a subject frame-by-frame to create the illusion of movement.
Besides patience and creativity, you’ll need a camera with manual focus, a camera tripod, a solid surface to place your subject(s), and software such as Stop Motion Studio. And guess what? This software happens to be free! You won’t find a lower entry point into this fun, creative hobby.
A few courses we recommend are Stop Motion For Fun!, Introduction to Puppet Making for Stop Motion, and Stop Motion Animation with Needle Felting.
92. Graphic design
Graphic design is the process of communicating ideas visually through images, shapes, colors, and typography. Graphic designers create words and logos you find on computer screens, billboards, newspapers, magazines — well, just about anywhere!
Although there is an artistic approach and appeal to graphic design, it is commonly defined as a tool to communicate rather than an art form. Although digital software like Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator are used for this activity, most graphic designers also have a passion and understanding of typography and other artistic endeavors.
93. Photo manipulation
Photo manipulation is the act of altering a photo to create an image that doesn’t exist in reality. Forms of photo manipulation include removing elements from an image, merging different images, changing lighting, adding filters, etc.
These manipulations can be intentionally evident and “surreal” or may translate into subtle improvements to maintain photos as realistic as possible. The most popular software for this work is Photoshop, and there is no shortage of online courses to learn.
94. Game development
Game development translates into using software and programming skills to create video games and world-building projects. Although this is one of the more demanding creative hobbies, game design and development are definitely worth learning if you’re an avid gamer.
Regarding software, you’re in luck because there are many free options or trial periods hobbyists can take advantage of — Unity and Unreal Engine 4, for instance. Basic scripting and programming know-how are always helpful, but many low-code alternatives, like RPG Maker, are available.
95. Raspberry Pi
Raspberry Pi is a cheap, credit-card-sized computer that can be plugged into a TV and a keyboard. And cheap means cheap, going for as low as $10 for the smallest version of the device! It’s a capable tiny computer that can be used in electronics projects and for many of the things that your desktop computer does.
Raspberry Pi is available to buy, and an easy-to-use computer (even though it looks like someone ripped R2D2 apart) that comes in a complete kit with everything you need on an SD card. If you’re into electronics and programming, exploring Raspberry Pi should definitely be on your to-do list!
Plant-related creative hobbies
Plants, greenery, flowers, foliage — if these are things near and dear to you, plant-related creative hobbies are great pastimes to consider.
These creative hobbies encompass potted plants, floral arrangements, tree shaping, gardening, and more, and are commonly done with accessible, everyday household items.
96. Bonsai
Bonsai refers to the art of trimming, shaping, and essentially stunting the growth of trees and shrubs. You can either buy seeds to plant or purchase an already-grown tree. Because seeds will take years to transform into something you can trim, your best bet is to buy a full-grown shrub to start!
This hobby requires lots of patience and TLC, so keep in mind that this is more of an ongoing, meditative activity than something you’ll spend hours on daily.
97. Tree shaping (Pooktre)
Pooktre is an emerging tree-shaping art form founded by Australian tree experts Peter Cook and Becky Northey. Unlike Bonsai, Pooktre consists of shaping and training living trees (and other woody plants) to grow into forms that are both artistic and functional. This process is gradual as you are not stunting tree growth and shaping daily.
Pooktre is not only a heart-warming hobby for tree lovers but also an art form that designers, botanical illustrators, architects, and woodworkers are bound to appreciate and find intriguing.
98. Terrariums
Terrariums are self-sustaining mini gardens sealed in glass vessels: they rely solely on water, soil, sunlight, and air. The interaction between these elements forms an isolated ecosystem within the vessel, requiring near-zero maintenance or external intervention.
You can choose from different vessels, too, whether open or closed. Building a terrarium is the perfect, stress-free activity for novice gardeners and a fun project for children who display an interest in plants.
To get started, check out Plant Art: Create Your Own Open Terrarium and Terrarium Creation with the Tiffany Technique.
99. Aquascaping
Aquascaping is essentially the art of creating an underwater garden. This consists of arranging aquatic plants, stones, driftwood, and rocks within an aquarium to create a delightful underwater landscape. Many aquascapers also add fish to their projects for full-on displays.
Much like terrariums, aquascaping is all about recreating a self-contained environment that relies on natural elements to self-sustain. Decoration aside, this art form is a little more demanding than terrarium building as it does require frequent external intervention to maintain a balanced and healthy ecosystem.
100. Flower pressing
Pressing flowers is far from a new hobby and is a historical ritual dating back centuries. Many beautiful items are created and transformed by integrating pressed flowers into craft projects: mandala sun catchers, bamboo bookmarks, framed flower monograms, flower luminarias, glass coasters, pendants, and more!
You can also combine this activity with jewelry-making, scrapbooking, stationery, and calligraphy creative hobbies. Or, they can just serve as nice collection pieces for displaying in your home!
You can use a book, but grab a flower press kit and check out Centerpiece Design with Dried and Preserved Flowers and Stained Glass with Pressed Flowers: The Tiffany Method.
101. Flower arranging
As opposed to what you may think, this hobby is much more than just picking out flowers and putting them in a vase. Flower arranging is about incorporating greenery and decorative elements, and understanding flower types, seasonality, themes, and design.
Because it does require practice and flowers can get pricey, this hobby isn’t always the most affordable. The trick is to start small by making floral arrangements for loved ones or small social events. Buying in-season flowers at your local market instead of at flower shops or online retailers is a sustainable and budget-friendly way to pursue this hobby.
Check out some of our favorite floral design classes to get started
102. Topiary gardening
Topiary gardening is the process of pruning your plants in specific shapes, from spirals and balls to depictions of large-sized animals and humans! It’s an ancient art form that goes back to ancient Egyptians, who used this gardening style to create animal-inspired decorations.
It does, however, require some specific tools and techniques. It’s also a challenging craft that will prove difficult for beginner gardeners
103. Seed art
Seed art consists of making visual artwork by fixing vegetable matter — mostly seeds and grains — onto a surface. While your design can be abstract, it’s common for seed artists to draw their image first and use it as a guide for seed placing. Rice, corn, beans, sunflower seeds — feel free to work with whatever you find!
Because of the resources used, seed artworks tend to change color and form throughout time: green seeds will eventually turn brown! If you already have drawing skills and want to mix things up a bit, seed art is a relaxing hobby you might enjoy: all you need are seeds, cardboard paper, wood, glue, and creativity.
104. Rock gardening
Rock gardening involves the gardening and landscaping of rocks such as limestone, granite, sandstone, and gravel. There are several reasons why this is an excellent creative hobby, especially if you have outdoor areas you don’t know how to work around!
Rock gardens add beauty to lawns and landscapes and don’t demand watering — a great way to reduce your impact on the planet. Because you won’t be using plants, this type of gardening requires less maintenance and is far more inexpensive in comparison to traditional gardening.
Other creative hobbies and crafts
Now and then, I hear someone state they aren’t the so-called “creative type.”
But what does that really mean?
I believe we all have some form of creative talent within us, whether that means the ability to paint huge canvases or use math to solve complex puzzles.
Not all creative hobbies need to fall under an “artsy” category. There are so many ways you can explore creative expression — it’s a matter of figuring out what that means for you! That said, sometimes, all you need to do is try out a few hobbies to discover new passions and talents. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired!
105. Puzzles
While it’s not the most obvious creative hobby that comes to mind, working on a puzzle is the perfect gateway to entertaining social gatherings and bonding with family and friends. On the other hand, puzzle-solving can also be a great solo pastime if you seek meditative moments and relaxation.
106. Sudoku
One can say Sudoku is a lot like chess: the rules may be simple, but playing well can be a challenge! This Japanese number-placement puzzle began to gain visibility between 1988-1989 when various daily newspapers started printing them for their readers.
Sudoku is played on a rectangular grid of nine by nine squares. The goal is to fill every square with numbers from one to nine such that each row, column, and 3×3 box contains all of the digits, with no repeated numbers inside any given region.
107. Crossword puzzles
Crossword puzzles never get old! Whether you’re a fan of the New York Times’ classic crossword puzzles or prefer crossword puzzle apps, this is a timeless hobby that helps stimulate the mind while teaching you some cool vocabulary!
The fact that filling in the gaps may take several days (or more!) makes this a particularly entertaining pastime for self-proclaimed grammar geeks and analytical thinkers.
108. Writing
Writing can be one of the most rewarding creative hobbies you can experience. Creative writing and using prompts to spark ideas is an excellent way to make the best out of your imagination — and get rid of writer’s block!
Being able to carry a notebook and jot down thoughts whenever inspiration strikes is an undeniable advantage for writers — this could never be possible as a sculptor or woodworker! If you lack the confidence to get started, sign up for a writing class!
A great place to start is Creative Writing for Beginners: Bringing Your Story to Life, but there’s certainly no shortage of options online and off.
109. Learning a foreign language
I can assure you that learning a new language is something you’ll never regret! It’s not only a fun, challenging hobby but a mind-opener to the world around you.
Whether you’re an avid traveler, love foreign films, or have moved to a new country, taking an online language class, joining a language-learning online community, and watching tutorials are great ways to get started. Remember, learning a language takes time and effort, but the outcome is oh-so-worth it!
110. Cooking
Whether you’re a natural Gordon Ramsay (minus all the swearing) or can’t fry an egg to save your life, cooking is such an incredible hobby everyone should try sooner or later. Like any other creative hobby, cooking requires skill, dedication, and lots of love!
That said, if you’ve repeatedly heard that cooking is difficult, it’s time to turn that thought around: if you can follow a manual to install an internet connection in your home, you can also follow a recipe for spaghetti bolognese!
111. Music
Music-related creative hobbies are undoubtedly some of the most therapeutic, carefree, and inspiring you can experience. So, if you’re one of those people who believe they don’t have a natural knack for music, I guarantee you anyone can learn.
You might have to find what’s right for you, whether that may be playing a new instrument, singing lessons, music theory, or music production. No matter what you pick, there are great classes and tutorials online!
Introduction to Music Production on Domestika is a great place to start, but a subscription to Masterclass will unlock some great courses, including deadmau5 Teaches Electronic Music Production, Herbie Hancock Teaches Jazz, and Tom Morello Teaches Electric Guitar.
112. Photography
Today, all you need is a reasonably good cell phone to snap away professional-looking photos! However, true aficionados should check out more advanced mediums like digital and analog cameras. If you want to take it to the next level, you can also learn how to develop your own pictures.
There are plenty of courses online, but our favorites are Professional Photography for Instagram for smartphones and Beginner’s Photography: Basic Camera Use and Theory for everything else.
113. Dancing
Whether you attempt hip-hop moves in your kitchen, occasionally find yourself swaying in the supermarket, or are obsessed with dancing video games, taking up dancing as a hobby can really bring you joy. And there are so many styles you can learn: Contemporary, Ballet, Tap, Tango, Salsa, Jazz, Break Dance — you get the idea.
Besides in-person classes, social media has also become an accessible learning tool for dancers, especially YouTube and TikTok.
114. Sports
Today most people recognize fitness goes beyond going to the gym, lifting weights, and repeating monotonous workouts. Sports have increasingly become a popular alternative to conventional exercise as well as a fun pastime. You might need some equipment, but you can enjoy them with friends, and there’s no shortage of options to choose from.
115. Improv
Improvisational theater, also known as improv, is a form of acting in which most of what you perform is unplanned. Often, you’ll be given a prompt to set the scene. But from then on, you’re on your own! While improv may seem ideal for the outgoing and love-to-be-the-center-of-attention-type, improv is actually a surprisingly beneficial and fun hobby for introverts and shy creatives.
116. Nail art
Nail art has become a canvas for talented creatives who have found their passion in adorning nails with all kinds of designs, colors, and textures. While it’s obviously easier to get your nails done by a professional, why not challenge yourself to a little nail art magic?
Nail art is fun to get your creativity going, whether you worship Vietnamese manicurists or prefer a little glam rock action. If you’re an experienced painter or graphic designer, nail art can be a great medium to test your skills!
A few quick courses to get started are Nail Art: Colorful, Creative Designs to Paint and Share on Skillshare and DIY Nail Art on Creativebug
117. Baking
Like cooking, baking is one of the most beloved creative hobbies to enjoy because it’s all about playing with textures, ingredients, and flavors — and cake design and decorating galore!
While baking is a fun activity to enjoy with others, it’s also a great way to have some creative alone time. There’s an infinite number of projects you can do regarding cake design and baking. Blogs, YouTube tutorials, TV shows, and online learning platforms are great sources of inspiration
118. Magic
Try magic if you want a unique creative hobby to learn. There are all kinds of tricks to learn, and the more complicated, the more fun it gets! Lots of practice, accepting error and trial, and not giving up are crucial to becoming a magic wiz.
An aspect to consider is the cost of supplies. While there are tricks that will require only a few inexpensive items, more extravagant ones will likely demand costly props.
There are plenty of tutorials online, but Penn & Teller Teach Magic on Masterclass is a great place for more advanced tips.
119. Tarot cards
Whether presented on astrology-related Instagram profiles, YouTube tutorials, or as artwork on Pinterest, tarot cards have become a part of pop culture like never before — I mean, besides 15th-century pop culture.
Nowadays, tarot cards are sought-after by people with different interests and backgrounds. While many collect tarot cards to practice intuition, others buy these because of the stunning artwork. You can also, of course, design your own!
120. Card stacking
For those of you who didn’t know card stacking was a thing —it very much is! Card stacking is a low-cost hobby that takes little storage space, and that’s pretty much it.
All you need is a deck of cards, about an hour or so every other day, and the dedication and patience to learn what it takes to achieve that one elusive card stack. It all starts by stacking two cards on top of each other. From then on, you will need to learn essential techniques like Top Palm, L-Cuts, and Double Lift to take your stack to the next level.
121. Collecting
No matter your age or preferences, collecting has a wide range of benefits that may not be obvious at first. Actually, did you know that if you have three or more collectibles, this already qualifies as a collection?
Collecting is a stress-free hobby since it’s an ongoing experience and does not demand a set-in-stone outcome or expectation. Collections also inspire discovering more about topics that interest you: pop culture, history, music, fashion, etc. It’s a great gateway to educating yourself!
Feature image photo credits: Adobe Stock Images
Photos by: xavier gallego morel, Fxquadro, pressmaster, Daria Nipot, Narong Niemhom, amixstudio, Hector Pertuz
That’s it for this comprehensive guide to creative hobbies and crafts. Which one will you be trying out today? Let everyone know in the comments below!
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